VPD Officer Saves Life, Honored as Employee of the Month

In Photo (from left): Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress, Bill Gaskins (recipient's father-in-law), Christina Braddy (recipient's wife), VPD Officer Jonathan Braddy, VPD Officer Heather Willis and Mayor John Gayle. Officer Braddy was honored as the City of Valdosta's February 2016 Employee of the Month at the Feb. 11 City Council meeting for stopping a young man from committing suicide.

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress honored Patrol Officer Jonathan Braddy as the February 2016 Employee of the Month at the Feb. 11 City Council meeting. Officer Braddy received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Officer Braddy is responsible for responding to dispatched calls for service, maintaining a working knowledge of local laws, presenting oral testimony in court, and conducting preliminary inquiries and criminal investigations.

In November 2015, Officer Braddy was dispatched to the overpass bridge on Clay Road, where he found a young man sitting on the bridge, legs dangling over the edge. Though heavy traffic and gusty winds made conversation difficult, Officer Braddy heard enough from the man to know that he was contemplating suicide. Officer Braddy calmly distracted the man and pulled him to safety, detaining him until EMS arrived. Officer Braddy's quick action and ability to stay composed under pressure resulted in a life saved that day.

The City of Valdosta applauds Officer Braddy for being named the February 2016 Employee of the Month, an award he received for demonstrating what law enforcement is truly about: protecting the community and saving lives.